How to Secure Your Website: HTTPS, Firewalls & SSL Explained

Securing your website with HTTPS, SSL, and firewalls prevents data theft, builds user trust, and safeguards online platforms from cyber threats and unauthorised access..

Highlights

• HTTPS websites are 70% less likely to be hacked compared to non-secure HTTP websites.
• Over 80% of users avoid websites lacking the secure padlock icon in the browser.
• 90% of cyberattacks target websites without SSL certificates or proper firewall protection installed.

Co-Founder

Harsh Abrol

4 min read

With Over 14 years of Experience in the IT Field, Helping Companies Optimise there Products for more Conversions

In today's digital world, every website faces potential risks. Whether you run a personal blog, an e-commerce platform, or a business portal, security should never be an afterthought. This guide outlines three essential tools to secure your website—HTTPS, SSL, and firewalls—in a way that’s simple to understand and implement.

Website security safeguards your data, users, and business reputation. In this article, you will learn what HTTPS, SSL, and firewalls are, how they function, and how to set them up correctly. This information is valuable for anyone seeking professional web development or aiming to manage their site securely.

Why Website Security Is Important

A website is similar to a digital property. Just like locking the doors of your office or home, your website requires protection against threats such as hacking, malware, and data theft.

Unsecured websites are vulnerable to:

1. Data breaches that leak customer information
2. Hacks that disrupt operations
3. Search engine penalties that reduce traffic
4. Loss of trust among users

All of these issues can impact your site’s success and business credibility. That’s why security tools like HTTPS, SSL, and firewalls are essential for website protection.

What Is HTTPS?

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It’s the secure version of HTTP—the protocol used to send and receive data between a user’s browser and your web server.

When a website uses HTTPS, it indicates that the connection is encrypted. This makes it more difficult for hackers to intercept or read the data being transferred.

Why HTTPS Matters

1. Protects user data: Personal information such as names, addresses, and credit card numbers is protected during transmission.
2. Improves search engine ranking: Google prefers websites using HTTPS.
3. Builds trust: Visitors feel more confident seeing the padlock icon in the address bar.

Without HTTPS, user data can be exposed to cybercriminals, particularly on public Wi-Fi networks. HTTPS is no longer optional — it’s now a fundamental requirement.

Understanding SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)

To use HTTPS, you require an SSL certificate. SSL is the technology behind HTTPS.

What Does SSL Do?

1. Encrypts communication between the browser and the server
2. Verifies the identity of your website
3. Prevents data tampering during transmission

An SSL certificate guarantees that all data transmitted is encrypted and unreadable to outsiders. For example, when someone fills out a contact form on your website, SSL ensures that the information remains private.

Types of SSL Certificates

1. Single domain: Protects one specific domain name
2. Wildcard SSL: Covers one domain and all its subdomains
3. Multi-domain (SAN): Protects multiple domains under one certificate

Many website development companies include SSL certificates in their packages, or you can buy one separately from trusted certificate authorities.

What Are Firewalls?

A firewall acts as a protective barrier between your website and the internet. It monitors traffic and blocks harmful requests from reaching your server.

Types of Firewalls for Websites

1. Network-based firewalls: Used by hosting companies to protect their infrastructure
2. Web Application Firewall (WAF): Filters traffic specifically for websites and apps
3. Cloud-based firewalls: Offered by third-party providers to filter data before it reaches your site

Benefits of Using a Firewall

1. Stops malicious bots and hackers
2. Prevents DDoS attacks (Denial of Service)
3. Helps detect and block suspicious activity

If you're using custom web development services, ensure a firewall is included in your security measures. It functions like a gatekeeper for your website.

How to Set Up HTTPS and SSL on Your Website

Setting up HTTPS with SSL is a simple process, but it must be done properly to prevent technical problems.

Step 1: Purchase an SSL Certificate

You can get an SSL certificate from:

1. A certificate authority (CA)
2. Your web hosting provider
3. A third-party vendor

If you’re working with a custom website development team, they can assist you in selecting the appropriate certificate according to your needs.

Step 2: Install the SSL Certificate

Installation varies depending on your hosting setup. Many hosting providers offer one-click SSL installation through control panels like cPanel or Plesk. If you're unsure, check the support documentation or contact your host.

Step 3: Update URLs to HTTPS

Once SSL is installed, update your site’s URLs to use https:// rather than http://. This includes:

1. Internal links
2. Scripts and stylesheets
3. Images and media

Step 4: Set Up a Redirect

To prevent losing traffic, implement a 301 redirect from HTTP to HTTPS. This instructs browsers and search engines to direct users to the secure version of your website.

How to Install and Configure a Firewall

Installing a firewall depends on the type you're using.

Using a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

Popular WAF services include:

1. Cloudflare
2. Sucuri
3. Astra

These services usually offer:

1. Real-time traffic monitoring
2. Bot protection
3. Malware scanning

To activate a firewall, follow these steps:

1. Sign up for a WAF service
2. Update your DNS records to route traffic through the WAF
3. Configure settings based on your site’s needs

Tips to Keep Your Website Safe

Security isn't just about HTTPS and firewalls. Follow these simple tips to enhance your protection:

1. Keep Software Updated

1. Content management systems (e.g., WordPress)
2. Plugins and themes
3. Server software

2. Use Strong Passwords

Avoid using basic passwords for admin panels and hosting accounts. Utilise a password manager and turn on two-factor authentication whenever possible.

3. Limit User Access

Only grant admin-level access to trusted individuals. Establish separate user roles with restricted permissions.

4. Regular Backups

In case of a breach, having backups can protect your data. Schedule regular backups of your entire site and keep them stored securely.

What to Expect from a Development Partner

If you're hiring a website development company, security should be one of the first topics you raise. Ask them these questions:

1. Do you include SSL and HTTPS setup in your services?
2. Will a firewall be added to protect the website?
3. Do you offer ongoing security monitoring or updates?

Any team providing professional web development should be prepared to implement both fundamental and advanced security measures during the development process.

What Happens If You Ignore Website Security?

Failing to protect your site could lead to:

1. Loss of customer trust: Visitors are unlikely to share information or make purchases on insecure websites.
2. Legal issues: If your site collects user data without protection, it may violate privacy laws like GDPR.
3. Reputation damage: One security incident can harm your brand’s image.

In the end, the cost of ignoring security often exceeds the cost of setting it up properly.

Final Words

Website security might seem complicated, but basic tools—HTTPS, SSL, and firewalls—are now easier to access and manage than ever before. These tools protect both you and your users from major risks.

If you're planning a new project or upgrading an existing site, choose a website development company that prioritises safety from the outset. Whether you're after customised web development or standard services, ensure security isn’t overlooked.

Secure Your Website with Digittrix

Looking to protect your website from online threats? At Digittrix, we understand how important it is to keep your data and customer information safe. With over 14 years of experience in customised web development services, we help businesses establish strong website security using HTTPS, SSL, and firewalls.

Whether you're planning a new site or looking to enhance the safety of an existing one, our expert developers can assist you at every stage. From SSL setup to firewall configuration, we manage the technical details so you can concentrate on running your business. We're not just a mobile app development company; we're also trusted by clients for secure and well-organised web development.

Call us at +91 8727000867 to book a consultation with our technical team, or email us at digittrix@gmail.com for your questions and project needs.